Finding out you’re pregnant can be such a thrill. But hearing that your pregnancy is high risk can be terrifying. Your first thought is wondering, “where can I find a high-risk OBGYN near me? Is my baby at risk? Fortunately, Roswell OB/GYN is here to help you. Here are some simple things you can do to make your high-risk pregnancy as safe as it can be.
Get Information
Many things can cause your pregnancy to be designated as high-risk, from high blood pressure, having multiples, fetal abnormalities, your age, multiple miscarriages, or a combination of factors. So it’s important to talk with your high-risk OBGYN to find out the exact reasons that make your pregnancy high risk and how you can manage those factors.
While you need to understand the risks of your pregnancy, it’s also essential you get accurate and reliable information. Write down questions so you can ask them at your next appointment. And if you do research online, stick with credible, reliable sources.
Gather A Support System
High-risk pregnancies can sometimes require lifestyle changes, such as being on bed rest. Even if that’s not the case for you, it can still be a stressful and even scary time for a mom-to-be. During this time, the best thing you can do is to gather a support system to be there for you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Finding a high-risk pregnancy doctor in Alpharetta, GA, who can care for your pregnancy is the most significant part of this. But finding family and friends who can assist you with household chores or errands as needed and offer other mental or emotional support is also essential. You might even consider joining a high-risk pregnancy support group to ensure you have other women to talk to who will understand your situation.
Create A Plan With Your Providers
Giving birth can be a little different with a high-risk pregnancy. Creating a plan beforehand can give you incredible peace of mind about what to expect and how things may play out. Make sure that all your healthcare providers are keeping an open line of communication about your care and that you attend all prenatal appointments. Express concerns, ask questions, and let your OBGYN know what you’d like to have to happen so we can do our best to make that happen.
Your high-risk OBGYN will be able to explain how your condition may impact your birth plan and what your options are for delivery.
Make Self-Care A Top Priority
In this context, self-care means eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, avoiding stress whenever possible, reducing exposure to toxins and other harmful things in your environment, and exercising as approved by your OBGYN. By putting these things first, you’ll ensure that your pregnancy and your baby are as healthy as they can be.
Listen To What Your Body Needs
Your body is expanding significant energy growing another human being. Feeling tired is common. So listen to your body. If you need to rest, rest. If you’re feeling hungry, eat something nutritious. It is not the time to “push through” discomfort or other feelings. Take care of yourself, even if that means slowing your life way down.
And, of course, if you feel like something is wrong or want some reassurance, contact your doctor. We’ll gladly see you make sure everything is okay or give you the peace of mind you need.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
Depression tends to be shared among mothers with high-risk pregnancies. Often, you blame yourself for your condition. It’s important to remember that you are not at fault for your pregnancy being at high-risk. But this may not be easy to reflect on your own.
Don’t hesitate to ask us for a mental health professional recommendation if you feel you need to talk to someone. It applies both during your pregnancy and after. Whether you feel like you’re struggling during your pregnancy or in the postpartum stage, we’re here to guide you to the support you need physically and mentally.
Remember Mindset Matters
Stress and anxiety aren’t beneficial in any pregnancy, and this can be especially true for a high-risk pregnancy. Staying calm, reducing stress, and relaxing by doing things you enjoy are good ways to keep your mindset in a good place. Take the time to enjoy your life and pregnancy as much as possible, no matter how severe your condition is.
If you’re already in a high-risk pregnancy or thinking of getting pregnant and know it may be high-risk, call Roswell OB/GYN to schedule an appointment today. Our Alpharetta, GA office is ready to offer you personalized care based on your needs to ensure a safe and healthy outcome for you and your baby.